Graduate Student Program
Your next breakthrough could start with the right connection. Vector brings together master’s and PhD students with affiliated researchers advancing AI across Canada.
Through this program, Vector Faculty review applications from research-aligned candidates and connect directly with those who are the strongest fit. That means faster introductions and real momentum for your academic journey in AI and machine learning.
Please note that the Vector Institute is not a degree-granting institution; if our Faculty expresses interest in your work, you will need to apply directly to their university to begin the admission process.
Enter Vector’s AI ecosystem
Across Canada, Vector-affiliated students are connected to a network of 1480+ researchers, industry partners, and peers working at the intersection of AI research and real-world application.
- Community and events: Reading groups, research talks, workshops, and community days that connect you with the field as it moves
- Compute resources: Depending on your research needs, access to computational infrastructure to support experimentation and model development
- Workspace: Desk space and shared workspace at Vector’s Toronto hub when you’re in the city
- Talent network: Connections to Vector’s industry partners, pathways into the Digital Talent Hub, and career programming including Early Careers Week and our annual AI Summit & Career Fair
Your potential future supervisor could be here
Get to know a few of our Faculty recruiting new students; browse their profiles and explore the research that resonates with you.
Explore AI graduate programs across Canada
While Vector is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Faculty are appointed at universities across Canada, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Universities represented through the program may include:
Discover the program that is right for your research goals: explore Vector-affiliated AI master’s programs at universities across Canada.
What you’ll need to apply
Start preparing your research statement, gather your references, and explore Faculty profiles.
Documents
- Most recent transcripts (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the application stage; official transcripts will be required when applying directly to a university.
- Academic CV (one to two pages)
- Research statement (one to two pages): describe your research experience, key questions you’re working on, why you’re interested in specific Faculty Members and any significant publications or projects.
Recommendation letters
- Contact information for two to three referees who can speak to your academic performance and research abilities.
- At least two referees should hold a position at the level of independent investigator, principal scientist, group leader, lecturer, or above.
- Referees will be prompted by email to upload a signed letter on institutional letterhead.
- References are due within two weeks of your submitted application.
Application form
Complete Vector’s application form in full, including:
- Personal information and academic background
- Primary and secondary research area selections
- Supervisor preferences (up to five Vector Faculty Members and/or Faculty Affiliates)
Optional
- Google Scholar profile
- LinkedIn profile
- Personal or academic webpage
- Additional information for reviewers (max 250 words)
Take the next step
The Vector Graduate Student Portal is open. Submit your application and put yourself in front of Vector Faculty across Canada.
What to expect
Applications are now open. We recommend you submit your application before October 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET for full consideration across participating Faculty.
Applications will be released to Faculty beginning in November, with prospective students hearing from participating Faculty as early as December.
Applications may continue to be submitted through the Vector Graduate Application Portal until January 15, 2027. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the application deadlines for their relevant university graduate programs, as university deadlines may be earlier than, or may not align with, the Vector application timeline.
Applicants are advised to remind their referees to submit recommendation letters within the required two-week window, upon the submission date of their application.
Please note that applicants will only be contacted by Faculty if there is interest in exploring a potential research fit.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
The program is open to domestic and international students who are completing an undergraduate degree and intending to pursue a master’s or completing a master’s and intending to pursue a PhD.
Is there a cost to apply?
Submitting an application to Vector is free; there is no cost to apply.
Please note that if you choose to apply to a university graduate program, the university may have its own application fee. These fees are separate from the Vector application and are paid directly to the university. Application fees vary by institution and program, so please check the relevant university graduate program website for the most up-to-date information.
Does applying through the Program guarantee admission to a graduate program?
No. Submitting an application does not guarantee contact from a Faculty Member, an interview, a research opportunity, supervision, funding, or admission to a university graduate program. Faculty participation varies year to year depending on research interests, funding availability, and capacity to supervise.
Should I reach out to Faculty in advance of applying?
Please note that Faculty receive a significant number of emails and are not able to respond to every inquiry. That is why this program was created.
We strongly recommend doing your research on the Faculty Member and their current research direction in advance. You can learn about Faculty Members’ research interests and publications by visiting the Vector Institute website before reaching out.
When you apply to the Vector Institute, you will be asked to select up to five Faculty Members or Faculty Affiliates you are interested in doing research with. Once Faculty have had a chance to review all the applications, they may reach out to you if they believe there is a strong match between your background, research interests, and their research program.
What is the relationship between the Vector Graduate Program and university applications?
The program facilitates connections between prospective students and Vector Faculty based on shared research interests. It is not a substitute for the university graduate application process. If a Faculty Member expresses interest to supervise you, you must still apply directly to and be admitted by the relevant university. Admission decisions and funding are made independently by the universities and Faculty Members in accordance with their own policies.
What universities are part of the Vector network?
Vector works with Faculty Members and researchers from universities across Canada. Some of the major universities with Vector faculty members and research connections include:
Ontario
- Carleton University
- McMaster University
- Queen’s University
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- University of Guelph
- University of Ottawa
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- York University
British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- University of British Columbia
Nova Scotia
- Dalhousie University
I’m an international applicant. Can I apply?
Yes, international applicants are welcome to apply. Please note that Vector is not responsible for immigration or visa processes, housing arrangements, relocation, or any costs associated with applying to or attending a Canadian university. Please review the requirements for your country of residence and the specific universities you are interested in before submitting your application.
When will I hear back?
Faculty review takes place throughout November. If a Faculty Member is interested in your application, they will contact you directly. Due to application volume, Vector is unable to provide individual status updates or respond to all applicants.
Which Canadian universities are best for AI research?
Vector Faculty Members and Faculty Affiliates are appointed at 13 Canadian universities across British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, representing a broad range of AI research areas. Rather than ranking institutions, the program is designed to help you identify the research environment and potential supervisor that best align with your interests and aspirations. Strong AI research is happening across Canada, and we encourage you to explore Faculty profiles, research areas, labs, and current work to find the opportunity that is the right fit for you.
Is Canada a good destination for a master’s or PhD in AI?
Canada is home to one of the world’s most concentrated AI research ecosystems, anchored by national institutes including Vector Institute, Mila, and Amii, and supported by the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. For students pursuing supervised graduate research in machine learning and deep learning, Canada offers direct access to leading researchers, strong connections to industry, and a growing network of AI-focused graduate programs. The Vector Graduate Student Program is specifically designed to make that ecosystem accessible to international and domestic applicants alike.
What are the application deadlines for the universities themselves?
University application deadlines vary by institution and may be earlier than the program’s closing date. You are responsible for reviewing and meeting each university’s individual deadlines. We encourage you to submit your university applications well in advance.
Can I select more than one Faculty Member?
Yes, you may select up to five Vector Faculty Members or Faculty Affiliates as supervisor preferences in your application. We encourage you to review each Faculty Member’s current research areas and lab openings before making your selections.
Who provides funding for graduate students?
Funding is provided through the supervisor’s resources at their university. The Vector Institute is not a degree-granting institution and does not provide direct student funding through this program.
What happens to my personal information?
By submitting an application, you consent to Vector processing and sharing your personal information with Vector Faculty Members and Faculty Affiliates to facilitate connections based on shared research interests. All personal data is processed in accordance with Vector’s Privacy Policy. Faculty Members or Affiliates may contact you if there is mutual interest.
Can I apply more than once?
You are welcome to apply in future application cycles; however, you may only submit one application per cycle. If multiple applications are submitted during the same cycle, only your first submission will be considered. Before submitting, please ensure that all information and supporting materials are complete, accurate, and up to date, as you will not be able to submit a replacement application.
Have a question we haven’t answered? Reach out to us at research@vectorinstitute.ai